MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized multiple choice exam that you need to take before applying to medical school. Most students apply to medical school during the summer of their junior year (med school applications open June 1st) if they do not want to take a gap year. Usually students take the exam May of junior year. It takes a month to get your results so any test date before May would work too! Here are some tips that we think will help you be a successful MCATer (yes, we just made that a word).

The MCAT is a long exam (8hrs) so take as many practice tests as possible to build endurance! More important than taking the practice tests is reviewing the practice tests so you can learn from what you got wrong. You will learn a lot from reviewing exams so do not feel like you are wasting time!

Pick a test day and don’t change it otherwise you will start procrastinating. 

Find a way to destress whether it be exercise, talking to family, or going to dinner with friends! Whatever you like to do, find time to relax. The MCAT can be fun but overwhelming so do your best to take breaks and stay energized. A stressed brain will not be receptive to information!

Consistency is so important. Make sure you have schedule set so you have allocated time to study for the MCAT. Before even making a schedule think about how you learn! There is no “right” way to study for the MCAT. If it takes you more time and repetition to learn do not be afraid to start studying earlier! Marisol began incorporating study sessions into her schedule five months prior to her exam. Lindsey and I decided to take a Kaplan course to stay on track and learn some MCAT test taking skills. Most important is that you try to devote 1-2 weeks to just taking practice tests to get you prepared for the MCAT!

 Have confidence, study hard, and you will rock it!